Whitman, one of New Jersey’s leading environmental and engineering management firms, has announced that the Somerville landfill redevelopment project has been designated a Brownfield Development Area (BDA) by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP).

Somerville, N.J.–Whitman, one of New Jersey’s leading environmental and engineering management firms, has announced that the Somerville landfill redevelopment project has been designated a Brownfield Development Area (BDA) by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP).

The BDA designation initiates a long-term partnership among the Borough of Somerville, the project’s steering committee, NJDEP and other involved agencies and private companies to focus available resources to develop and implement a plan for remediation and reuse of the brownfield sites in this area.

The redevelopment area encompasses 160 acres and is slated to include up to 1,200 residential units, 45,000 square feet of retail space, up to 185,000 square feet of commercial and office space and more than 40 acres of green space.

“The redevelopment of this brownfield area will result in direct and indirect environmental benefits for the community, including improved water quality and the creation of walking trails and green spaces in the borough. The redevelopment will also bring a number of other non-environmental benefits to the Borough and contribute to improving the quality of life for all in Somerville, while also making a significant economic impact regionally,” Somerville Mayor Brian Gallagher said.

Key issues at the site include ensuring that site investigation properly characterizes the extent and types of fill and its suitability for development, securing adequate funding for the project, working with the NJDEP on environmental protection and regulatory compliance issues, as well as partnering with the community and other stakeholders to ensure the long-term success of the project.